Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has addressed concerns from the Hindu community regarding the annual Diwali celebration in Ottawa, clarifying that the event has not been canceled. A statement from Poilievre’s office, shared by Indo-Canadian host Darshan Maharaja on X (formerly Twitter), explained that only the event’s location and timing have been modified.
The statement noted that the celebration will be hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty this year, rather than Poilievre himself.
“This event has always been organized by a member of the Conservative Caucus—in this case, MP Doherty—and not by the Leader of the Opposition or his office,” it read. “While there are changes to the location and timing, MP Doherty will still host a Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas celebration in Ottawa with members of the South Asian community and the Conservative Caucus.”
Poilievre expressed that he looks forward to celebrating these significant cultural and religious occasions with Canadians.
The clarification comes after Hindus in Canada strongly opposed the Opposition leader's decision to cancel the 2024 Diwali celebrations.
The Hindu Forum on Canada said that the move sends a clear message of exclusion to the community, as per an ANI report.
"A move that sends a clear message of exclusion to a community deeply woven into Canada's cultural fabric. Diwali, a festival symbolizing light and unity, is celebrated worldwide, with leaders like U.S. President Biden and astronaut Sunita Williams honoring it with great respect. Yet, CPC leader Pierre Poilievre has shown a concerning disregard for Canadian Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains. This decision is a politically motivated act of appeasement that dismisses a significant, vibrant part of Canadian society," ANI quoted a statement from the Hindu Forum.
The organisation called on Indian origin people in Canada to vote for leaders who stand by all Canada.
"Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains in Canada--nearly 2.5 million strong--are rapidly growing communities that have made meaningful contributions across fields, from science to education. Mutual respect among communities is what strengthens Canada, but it seems CPC leadership does not uphold this principle when it comes to these communities. It's crucial for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains to stand united against decisions that show a lack of respect for our culture and beliefs. In the upcoming federal elections, let's choose wisely. Pierre Poilievre is not yet Prime Minister, yet his true colors of appeasement politics show through by canceling Diwali celebrations. If he were to become Prime Minister, what further tactics might he use? Our votes should go to leaders who genuinely respect and stand by all Canadians, and we must make our voices heard. This Diwali, let's stand together for representation, respect, and true inclusivity," the statement further said.
Earlier, Poilievre had cancelled the Diwali celebrations, scheduled to take place at Parliament Hill, amid the ongoing diplomatic row with India.
The Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), the event's organiser, received no explanation for the cancellation of the celebration.
This issue arises amid strained ties between India and Canada, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. The situation has led to diplomatic tensions and the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats from the country in mid-October.
OFIC president Shiv Bhasker wrote a letter to Pierre Poilievre, expressing dismay over the decision.
As per ANI, in a letter to Pierre Poilievre, Bhasker wrote, "It is with extreme disappointment and in sadness that I am writing this letter to you to voice our dismay at the Office of the Leader of Opposition cancelling the 24th Diwali celebration on the Parliament Hill."
"The failure of the politicians to attend this important cultural event, particularly at such a delicate time, sends a clear message to Indo-Canadians: that we are being viewed not as fellow Canadians but as outsiders who are somehow linked to the political actions of a country many of us have ancestral ties to but no direct connection with," the letter added.
Further, Bhasker urged the Office of the Leader of Opposition to recognise the harm caused to the Indo-Canadian community by the cancellation of a Diwali celebration event.
"This cancelled event was not just a political gathering; it was meant to celebrate Diwali, a festival that brings together families, friends, and communities in a spirit of light, hope, and renewal. By distancing oneself from this celebration, our political leader has turned what should have been a moment of unity into one of division," the letter added.
(With inputs from agencies)
The statement noted that the celebration will be hosted by Conservative MP Todd Doherty this year, rather than Poilievre himself.
“This event has always been organized by a member of the Conservative Caucus—in this case, MP Doherty—and not by the Leader of the Opposition or his office,” it read. “While there are changes to the location and timing, MP Doherty will still host a Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas celebration in Ottawa with members of the South Asian community and the Conservative Caucus.”
So, @PierrePoilievre’s office has clarified the situation regarding the Diwali celebrations on parliament hill. Please see the image below.
— Darshan Maharaja (@TheophanesRex) October 31, 2024
Whoever sent out the letter that caused this controversy appears to have acted in haste: there WILL be a Diwali celebration as per normal. pic.twitter.com/dKNXaa8Zf1
Poilievre expressed that he looks forward to celebrating these significant cultural and religious occasions with Canadians.
The clarification comes after Hindus in Canada strongly opposed the Opposition leader's decision to cancel the 2024 Diwali celebrations.
The Hindu Forum on Canada said that the move sends a clear message of exclusion to the community, as per an ANI report.
"A move that sends a clear message of exclusion to a community deeply woven into Canada's cultural fabric. Diwali, a festival symbolizing light and unity, is celebrated worldwide, with leaders like U.S. President Biden and astronaut Sunita Williams honoring it with great respect. Yet, CPC leader Pierre Poilievre has shown a concerning disregard for Canadian Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains. This decision is a politically motivated act of appeasement that dismisses a significant, vibrant part of Canadian society," ANI quoted a statement from the Hindu Forum.
The organisation called on Indian origin people in Canada to vote for leaders who stand by all Canada.
"Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains in Canada--nearly 2.5 million strong--are rapidly growing communities that have made meaningful contributions across fields, from science to education. Mutual respect among communities is what strengthens Canada, but it seems CPC leadership does not uphold this principle when it comes to these communities. It's crucial for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains to stand united against decisions that show a lack of respect for our culture and beliefs. In the upcoming federal elections, let's choose wisely. Pierre Poilievre is not yet Prime Minister, yet his true colors of appeasement politics show through by canceling Diwali celebrations. If he were to become Prime Minister, what further tactics might he use? Our votes should go to leaders who genuinely respect and stand by all Canadians, and we must make our voices heard. This Diwali, let's stand together for representation, respect, and true inclusivity," the statement further said.
Earlier, Poilievre had cancelled the Diwali celebrations, scheduled to take place at Parliament Hill, amid the ongoing diplomatic row with India.
The Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC), the event's organiser, received no explanation for the cancellation of the celebration.
This issue arises amid strained ties between India and Canada, following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. The situation has led to diplomatic tensions and the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats from the country in mid-October.
OFIC president Shiv Bhasker wrote a letter to Pierre Poilievre, expressing dismay over the decision.
As per ANI, in a letter to Pierre Poilievre, Bhasker wrote, "It is with extreme disappointment and in sadness that I am writing this letter to you to voice our dismay at the Office of the Leader of Opposition cancelling the 24th Diwali celebration on the Parliament Hill."
"The failure of the politicians to attend this important cultural event, particularly at such a delicate time, sends a clear message to Indo-Canadians: that we are being viewed not as fellow Canadians but as outsiders who are somehow linked to the political actions of a country many of us have ancestral ties to but no direct connection with," the letter added.
Further, Bhasker urged the Office of the Leader of Opposition to recognise the harm caused to the Indo-Canadian community by the cancellation of a Diwali celebration event.
"This cancelled event was not just a political gathering; it was meant to celebrate Diwali, a festival that brings together families, friends, and communities in a spirit of light, hope, and renewal. By distancing oneself from this celebration, our political leader has turned what should have been a moment of unity into one of division," the letter added.
(With inputs from agencies)
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